Cheyenne City Council Meeting – June 23, 2026

The Cheyenne City Council met on June 23, 2026, to consider a lengthy agenda including multiple annexations, zoning changes, and resolutions. The most notable item was the proposed annexation of approximately 3,460 acres for the "Highlands" project, intended for a future Microsoft data center campus. After extensive public comment and council debate, the council approved the annexation and related zoning on second reading, rejecting a four-month postponement motion. Other actions included approval of a police employment ordinance, gaming center overlay, electrical code update, acceptance of a $2.9M donation from Tallgrass for affordable housing, and approval of a Vietnam War Memorial Wall purchase.

Consent Calendar

• All consent agenda items were approved except item 19 (lead service line loan), which was pulled for separate discussion and later approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Charles Miller spoke on multiple items, arguing the Highlands annexation was a "corporate land grab" that bypasses the Wyoming Industrial Siting Act, criticized the lack of a detailed plan, and raised concerns about water, noise, and environmental impacts. He also opposed the lead service line loan and Tallgrass donation, alleging hypocrisy.
• Heather Madrid (Harmony Meadows) supported postponement, citing insufficient information and need for a binding community benefits agreement before annexation.
• Microsoft representatives (Rachel Irving, Jonathan Noble, Lucas Downey) stated the project is in early planning, emphasized their "community first" commitments (paying their way, minimizing water use, creating jobs), and urged approval to begin studies.
• Several Microsoft employees and local tradespeople (Amanda Augusta, Kevin Banish, Brian Church, Casey Mullikan) spoke in favor, citing job creation, career opportunities, and economic benefits for Cheyenne.
• Wendi Volk raised concerns about long-term infrastructure costs and the need for growth to pay its fair share.
• Residents (Donna Frostow, Penny Hollenbach, Elizabeth Marvin, Yana Ilyesh, and others) voiced worries about water use, noise, loss of open space, and the pace of decision-making.
• Supporters of the Vietnam Wall (Gordon Parks, Sophia Mays, Tyler Neff) spoke passionately about honoring veterans and the tourism benefits of the memorial.

Discussion Items

• Highlands Annexation (Item 14): The council considered a 3,460-acre owner-initiated annexation. Councilman Wolf moved to postpone for four months to allow negotiation of a comprehensive annexation/community benefits agreement with Microsoft. After debate, the motion failed (3-6 in favor: Wolf, Moody, Labourne). The annexation then passed on second reading with Wolf, Moody, and Labourne voting no. Discussion included questions about statutory requirements, water supply, and the role of the Industrial Siting Act.
• Zoning for Highlands (Items 15-16): Following annexation, the council approved agricultural zoning for the entire parcel (noes: Moody, Labourne), then business park zoning for the portion intended for data center development (noes: Wolf, Moody, Labourne). Charles Miller argued these were procedural steps to bypass state oversight.
• Other Annexations: Items 9-10 (small parcel near Charles Street) passed unanimously. Items 11-12 (Swan Ranch expansion) passed with Councilman Moody voting no on Item 11.
• Wallach Road Rezoning (Item 13): Unanimously approved on second reading.
• Reed Property Rezoning (Item 18): Approved to business park for potential Microsoft data center; Moody voted no.
• Future Land Use Map Amendments (Items 23-24, 28): Council overruled planning commission denials to change land use designations for the Highlands area. Items 23 and 24 were postponed to July 13 to align with third reading of annexation. Item 28 (removing Allison Road extension) was approved with Moody opposed. Charles Miller argued the amendments violated due process.
• Lead Service Line Loan (Item 19): Approved a $20M loan application to the state for lead service line investigation and replacement. Discussion clarified it will kick off investigation and remediation.
• Tallgrass Affordable Housing Donation (Item 21): Approved acceptance of $2.9M donation for affordable housing; Moody voted no.
• Vietnam Memorial Wall (Item 34A): Approved purchase of an 80% replica wall for Freedom Point at Lions Park, cost $275,000 with funding from city and donations. Councilman Wolf initially voted no in committee but switched to yes after hearing veterans' testimony.

Key Outcomes

• Highlands Annexation passed on second reading (6-3). Third reading scheduled for July 13.
• Zoning for Highlands to business park passed (6-3).
• Motion to postpone annexation failed (3-6).
• Other annexations and rezoning passed as noted.
• Future land use map amendment (Item 28) approved; Items 23-24 postponed to July 13.
• Lead service line loan application authorized.
• Tallgrass donation accepted (1 no: Moody).
• Vietnam Memorial Wall purchase approved (unanimous).
• Consent agenda approved with one item removed (item 19 considered separately and approved).
• Various board appointments approved.